Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger After his quarterback missed Sunday night's game agianst the Baltimore Raven, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says that he expects Ben Roethlisberger to start against the Oakland Raiders this Sunday at Heinz Field.

This week, the Steelers hope for no surprises. Tomlin says the team is not expecting any last-minute complications from Roethlisberger's recent concussion.

This past week the Steelers locker room was a little uneasy as Roethlisberger practiced with the starters all week but was sidelined by the medical staff one day before last week's crucial loss.

Team captain Hines Ward was among the most vocal in expressing his disappointment that Roethlisberger would not play against the Ravens.
But Tomlin said Ward and Roethlisberger have ironed things out.

"I've been informed that those two guys spoke extensively," Tomlin said. "I spoke to Hines last night. He called me and it was a good, clean conversation. He assured me that this football team will be ready to prepare for and ultimately play Oakland when we come here Wednesday."

Despite the Steelers 6-5 record, Roethlisbeger is having his best statistical season. Big Ben has thrown for over 2,800 yards, 17 touchdowns and has a quarterback rating of 98.6.

His decision to not play came as the league has taken a heightened stance on protecting players from head injuries. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to teams outlining steps the league is taking to reduce head impacts.